12.29.2015

2015 started out with a good stride, but inevitably not too long thereafter, it ushered in its set of challenges that honestly at one point made me want to quit. Nevertheless, withperseverance and the support of my sweet hubby, I was able to get through the year. However, instead of ending the year reliving those unpleasant memories, I'm going to focus and highlight a few of those happy moments that kept me pushing forward this past year.True, I may not have accomplished the majority of what I had hoped for/expected (though being reminded of goal #2 noted here), I'm still grateful. After all, there were some fulfilling moments to be proud of. Like, working the NYFW show, attended my first fashion conference in years, traveled to new places, checked this off my list including several others, enjoyed glorious sunny days in the outdoors at the park and on our terrace. Captured our first blood moon right off our terrace, lunched and dined with old and new friends, relived the time period of Great Gatsby, and oh, BSI got a little bit of a makeover after much blood, sweat, and tears. If you haven't checked it out yet, please take a look around. I'll acquaint you with just a few of the new features. Now you'll find under each tab, there are drop downs that take you directly to a specific topic of interest, including theshopping tabwith sub-categories such as, Home+Décor | Clothing | Beauty | Shoes | Accessories | Gifts. This makes finding whatyou, the viewer are looking for a lot easier.This February blizzard view from our living room

Of the many lessons I learned this year, three of the greatest ones that have made the most positive mental shift for me, have to be…

"Cry as hard as you want to, but just make sure that when you stop crying, you never cry for the same reason again."

"No longer waste time trying to explain who you are to people who are committed to misunderstanding you andonly understand from their level of perception."

And what also finally clicked for me without rationalizing and/or feeling guilty of being disloyal is:

"Saying yes to happiness means learning to say noto things and people that drain and hurt you."

Hope you like the new changes made to the website and please let me know via Instagram or email what you would like to see more of on the site in 2016. As always, thanks to all of you who have cheered me on Instagram with your kind comments and compliments. It was part of the motivating force that helped me to forge ahead this past year. I send you all a big warm hug. In the meantime, I'm praying that 2016 will be kinder to all of us with the hope that all intended goals become successful realities. Until then, see you next year!

12.28.2015

Hi! Hope you had a relaxing weekend with loved ones. The hubby and I just hung around at home and took some refreshingly quiet strolls at the park, watched some favorite movies, played some card games including sequence which I was glad to have finally whipped his butt on, after he was gloating on his previous wins that he likes to refer to as a "thrashing." Believe or not, my most comfortable moments to take outfit shots are when there are barely any souls roaming the streets. I don't like an audience and get super uncomfortable having people around when my outfit photos are being taken. So the quiet holiday was a perfect time for picture taking.

This outfit was a perfect combo for one of the very few brisk days that we've had during this very mild December month. The lightweight fabric of this amazingly soft to the touch micro fleece top feels as indulgent as cashmere and is a super-warm cozy choice for the cold weather months without the bulky weight of heavy layers. Between its color combination along with the window pane check print and the high neck style, it's become one my favorite winter wardrobe additions this season.

12.21.2015

Let's face it, wouldn't you agree Twitter's fancy schmancy cousin - Instagram is the hostess with the mostest that knows how to have more fun? I'm grateful for your follows on Twitter, and would love for you to join me at that party over there by following me @dafashionista1 for some fun banter and daily doses of inspiration. I'm going to be taking a few days off, but I will be posting little moments on Instagram + Tmblr. I would love to see all your smiling friendly faces there joining me, as I know my world would be way more colorful with you in it. Awaiting your arrival and looking forward to following your IG handle in return. C'mon, you know you want to join the fun! ;-)

12.18.2015

We've been on a long streak of balmy weather for December which I've been enjoying. However, I seem to always feel more motivated and get more done on gloomy days like yesterday (with the right tunes playing, of course). Is it the same for you as well or am I the only one?

12.17.2015

What I love most about these gifts is that even though they might look like they're a splurge - their prices are actually a steal. From gifts for the ladies, kids and expectant mothers to the favorite pooch in your life - you will not only make all your recipients beam with happiness but make yourself joyful knowing that you still have some cash left to buy your own coveted items as well.

Gifts For Her

Gifts For HimBeauty Gifts Under $30

Gifts For The KidsGifts For The Expectant MotherGifts For The Jetsetter

12.16.2015

The fact that it hasn't been feeling like December outside at all, has me emerging out of my cocoon (home office) and venturing the streets of the city lately. The balmy weather has put me in a laid-back state-of-mind and nothing says laid-back quite like a comfy lightweight printed pair of track pants that can easily be dressed up or down. During this time of year, the energy of this electrifying city is in high octave - you can't help but feel energized by all the glitz and glam of the shops' windows. They just draw you right in. Spent an afternoon window shopping around Rockefeller Center and I stopped in Anthropologie and fell in love with almost everything I laid my eyes on. Here are a few of the items that caught my eyes the most: this coat (but the baby blue with the fur collar that truly embodies my style is already completely sold out...waaaaaah:'-(), the coziest looking cape, this weekend cardigan, included but not limited to the following: these mule booties, this one, this one, these must-have for the season boots and how festive and yet understated are these pumps?!

12.14.2015

After being caught with ineffective body lotions last winter that left my skin looking akin to an alligator despite the amount of lotion potion I slathered on, I thought this year, I would go into winter more prepared by making my own cocoa butter body moisturizer. Although it appears that we might end up with a very mild winter this year seeing that it's been unusually warm for December, I'm sure at some point the weather's unpredictable nature will surprise us. And I know I will need a good moisturizer to keep my skin perfectly moisturized and glowy without feeling like a greasy eeky mess. Here is the DIY recipe that I use to make this easy all natural-chemical-free body moisturizer:

and whip on high for about 7-10 minutes scraping the sides every now and then. The mixture will turn into a white fluffy cream.

Spoon the cream into a clean container of choice. I upcycled a previous body butter jar I had on hand. And voila!

I can't tell you how much I'm loving this homemade body moisturizer! Its light and fluffy texture make it perfect for massaging into my damp skin after a bath or shower. It is easily absorbed, leaving my skin feeling super soft and radiant. Oh, and it smells great too!

Psssst! Think of what a great personalized gift this would make. Have you had a chance to check out these gift choices here and here? Well, take a look. You might just find exactly what you're looking for.